Police are today investigating a fire that broke out at a bungalow.

Firefighters had to break down the door to get inside the smoke-filled property at Kingsnorth Road, Ashford.

They found nobody inside but police have now confirmed that they are treating the fire as suspicious.

Insp Paul Sellwood told Kent Online at the scene: "There was minor damage and there were no persons injured.

"But we are continuing to investigate the incident and are treating the premises as a crime scene."

Two fire engines were called to the property, close to the Tennyson Road junction, at about 9.15am this morning.

Crews, fearing somebody may be trapped inside, broke down the front door with a battering ram.

The bungalow was found to be empty but firefighters had to use breathing apparatus and a hose reel to tackle the blaze.

Ashford watch manager Clive Douglas said: "Our crews carried out a thorough search of the property in case there were casualties inside. The property was found to be unoccupied."

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said; "I saw the firefighters breaking down the the door and black smoke came out as soon as they opened it.

"They put out the fire and it's just as well nobody was inside."

A total of 30% of the kitchen was found to be destroyed and other parts of the property had smoke damage.

The fire crews, from the Folkestone and Ashford stations, were at the scene for an hour and a half.

Later that morning a total of five police vehicles were there including one from Kent Police's forensics investigation team.

Uniformed officers guarded the taped-off bungalow and members of Kent CID were also there searching for clues.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101.